The US green card suspension affects TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Microsoft and four other technology firms, delaying permanent residency applications for skilled foreign workers.
WASHINGTON: The United States has suspended eight major technology companies, including Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, Wipro and Microsoft, from a key immigration programme that helps foreign professionals obtain permanent residency.
The green card suspension, announced on October 8, 2026, also affects Cognizant, HCL Technologies, Capgemini and Adobe. It prevents the companies from submitting new applications or progressing pending cases through the Permanent Labour Certification Programme, known as PERM.
The decision follows allegations by US officials that some employers misused immigration procedures and prioritised foreign workers over qualified American applicants.
Why has the US suspended these technology companies?
US Labour Secretary Keith Sonderling announced the restrictions alongside Vice President JD Vance during a Washington briefing.
Officials argued that the programme required tighter oversight to ensure American employees receive fair employment opportunities.
However, allegations involving the companies remain subject to scrutiny, and the announcement does not establish that every affected employer committed wrongdoing.
The administration has presented the action as part of its wider efforts to strengthen domestic hiring and investigate potential immigration abuses.
Which eight companies are affected?
The restrictions apply to the following technology and IT services businesses:
- Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
- Infosys
- Wipro
- HCL Technologies
- Cognizant
- Capgemini
- Microsoft
- Adobe
These businesses collectively employ large numbers of technology professionals across the United States.
Several also maintain significant operations in India, making the announcement particularly relevant to Indian IT workers seeking long-term employment opportunities abroad.
What happens to H-1B visa holders?
The green card suspension does not automatically cancel existing H-1B visas or require affected employees to leave the United States.
However, it creates uncertainty for professionals whose employers are sponsoring them for permanent residency.
PERM certification is generally an important early stage in the employment-based immigration process. Employers must demonstrate that suitable American workers are unavailable for particular positions before proceeding with certain applications.
With new submissions blocked and pending certifications frozen, affected workers could face longer waiting periods.
Employees may need to review their immigration timelines, particularly if their temporary work authorisation has an approaching expiry date.
What does this mean for Indian IT professionals?
The green card suspension could complicate long-term career planning for Indian technology workers, many of whom depend on employer sponsorship to secure permanent residency.
Companies may also need to reconsider overseas staffing strategies, employee retention plans and recruitment arrangements.
Indian technology industry representatives have previously highlighted increased local hiring and reduced reliance on work visas.
The duration of the restrictions remains unclear, leaving affected employers and employees awaiting further guidance.
Impact to expect
The US decision may increase uncertainty for Indian IT professionals seeking permanent residency and could encourage technology companies to review international hiring strategies. Businesses may face additional administrative costs, while affected employees could experience longer immigration timelines until the restrictions are lifted.
